simple yet helpfull questions

[cole]

Is it expensive to travel south america, compared say to north america. Food accomadation, activities etc.

Whats the best way to get around, planes busses or what. can u buy cars easily or rent them.

is it possible to get work there. without visa.

[Mark]

Hi Cole,

South America is cheaper to travel in than North America. In terms of accommodation you get what you pay for although some awesome cheap hostels (3 up to 10$/night) can be found if you have the patience to shop around a bit. Check them out here

Food is especially cheap on markets and on street stalls but you can also find simple but excellent restaurants that serve you a meal for 2-3$.

Going by plane is the best way to get there, once on firm ground you can get around by bus (very cheap). You can rent a car in every country although it's mostly done in countries like Argentina and Brazil.

You can either work without visa as an English teacher in one of the many language schools or volunteer for one of the many wonderful social projects (I did both). Read more

I'd love to hear what kind of activities you are referring to. Is it hiking in the Andes or visiting ancient ruins that you're after?

Best wishes,

Mark

[cole]

well id love to trek in the andes. do u do it on your own or would you need a tour guide.
Is volunteer work easy to get. With regards to jobs, is the pay very litle or would it be worthwhile.
Is the nightlife good in places like Buenos Aires etc.
Can a 21 year old rent a car do you think.
Whats the story with communicating. is there any english. can one get by without spanish/portugese.
Sorry bout the amount of questions. its decision time for me and my friends. trying to get info.

[Mark]

The Andes : There are a lot of hiking opportunities in the Andes. I did quite some hikes and only needed a guide to go to the Lost City in Colombia (I hear you, that's not in the Andes). All the other hikes in Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Argentina I did on my own.

Volunteer work : There are a lot of social projects in South America. They love an extra hand. You can read more about volunteer work here.

Jobs : Getting a job teaching English is not too hard. The pay equals social standards so it's enough to get around.

Spanish/Portuguese: read here


Hope this gets you on your way. Feel free to post in the appropriate forum if you have more questions.

Best wishes,

Mark

[lowcostvolunteer]

My tip is to visit Volunteer Latin America - Free and Low Cost Volunteer Work Abroad

They offer some amazing programs.